No Cebu execs sign manifesto

CEBU, Philippines — Nearly a week since the Mayor for Good Governance (M4GG) called for transparency, accountability, and justice in flood control projects, no mayor from Cebu Island has signed its manifesto.

The manifesto comes in the wake of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s order, following his fourth State of the Nation Address on July 28, 2025, to investigate suspected anomalous flood control projects worth over ?500 billion. The directive triggered inquiries that have since reached local government units (LGUs).

M4GG—a coalition led by Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, and other reform-minded local executives—posted its updated list of signatories this week. As of August 21, 2025, no Cebu mayors appear on the roster, which covers members from 2023 to 2025.

Cordova Mayor Cesar “Didoy” Suan, president of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) Cebu chapter, clarified that the absence of Cebu mayors does not mean they oppose the call.

“M4GG is composed of only seven members, but we are also pursuing a localized version of the call for transparency,” Suan said, adding that Cebu mayors are circulating a letter and are set to formalize their position on Monday.

“Nagpatuyok naman mi og letter karon for the transparency… I guess most of the mayors wanted for the transparency,” he said.

Suan stressed that accountability in the use of public funds should be a collective effort, not limited to mayors. He urged top officials to take the lead in ensuring taxpayer money is spent properly.

In Cebu City, Mayor Nestor Archival Sr. said he is open to joining M4GG once the initiative formally reaches his office.

“I mean ang usa sa mga dako nga reports karon, which is nagtuo pud ko nga ang kaning flood control projects nga dagko kaayo, tan-awon gud ni, tagaan og focus,” Archival said, noting that many flood control projects in the upland areas warrant closer scrutiny.

In a statement, M4GG demanded that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and other national agencies disclose all documents related to flood control projects—including programs of work, unit price analyses, bills of quantities, feasibility studies, contractor names, and politicians involved.

“Flood control projects have existed for decades, but over the past years, corruption in these projects has become more alarming, pervasive, and systematic. There is no justification for any secrecy or delay. The Filipino people have waited long enough,” M4GG said.

“Families have suffered unrelenting floods and landslides. Transparency is no longer optional, but a duty we owe to every Filipino,” it added. FPL (CEBU NEWS)